Consumers are increasingly concerned about the economic outlook, according to a survey by market research firm GfK NOP, despite a small boost in confidence in October.

The survey, taken before the comprehensive spending review, revealed a slump in expectations over the next 12 months, leaving the consumer confidence index 23 points lower than October 2009, at -20.

The negative outlook chimes with other surveys that reveal a dramatic slump in sentiment since the summer. In its September survey, financial research firm Markit found consumers expected their own living standards to fall over the next year. Twice as many households believed their incomes would fall compared with those that thought they would rise.

The Markit survey also found homeowners expected house prices to fall, fuelling concern about the resilience of domestic consumer demand in 2011.

Month-on-month figures from GfK NOP today reveal little change in the financial situation of respondents, though they were mildly more confident that their own circumstances would improve. Overall consumer confidence for October moved up one point, to -19.

Nick Moon, of GfK NOP social research, said: "As with this week's economic growth figures, this small rise in consumer confidence for October is really only the prelude to what happens next.

"Confidence has remained reasonably consistent since June but this could change as the public comprehends the full impact of the government's cuts.

"Should November's figures show a significant drop, it would suggest that a double-dip recession had become more likely."

Third-quarter GDP figures this week showed the economy grew by 0.8% – twice the rate City analysts had expected. The figures triggered a row between coalition supporters, who pointed to the strength of the recovery, and opponents, who said the data was backward-looking and reflected Labour spending before the election.Several analysts have warned that waning consumer confidence and a lack of investment from the private sector will spark a further decline in sentiment as government spending cuts bite.

Treasury officials stressed the current data was holding up well and showing positive growth in many areas. The Office for Budget Responsibility said earlier this year that the loss of 500,000 public sector jobs and a similar number in the private sector would be offset over the next four years by 2m new jobs in the private sector.